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The Insiders Club
Four social misfits: an 80s-obsessed eccentric, a movie-quoting mimic, a control freak, and a scrappy loner. They share a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, but can they create a home?
Keegan Harris has one weekend to persuade three other guys on the spectrum to move into his group home. Using an 80s movie as his guide for socialization, he’s organized a series of adventures designed to form deep connections and create lifelong friends. But each stranger has packed emotional baggage and arrived with agendas of their own. Unless Keegan can convince everyone to stick to the script, his blockbuster plan may turn companionship into chaos.
When Monday morning rolls around, will they be best buddies or will Keegan’s community close before it officially opens?
The Insiders Club is a realistic, "autism after high school" novel that brings marginalized characters into the spotlight. If you like unconventional heroes, unlikely friendships, and bittersweet coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love Echo Miller’s uplifting read.
Take a closer look inside the autism spectrum and see that everybody wants to belong. Buy The Insiders Club to find your way home today!
Keegan Harris has one weekend to persuade three other guys on the spectrum to move into his group home. Using an 80s movie as his guide for socialization, he’s organized a series of adventures designed to form deep connections and create lifelong friends. But each stranger has packed emotional baggage and arrived with agendas of their own. Unless Keegan can convince everyone to stick to the script, his blockbuster plan may turn companionship into chaos.
When Monday morning rolls around, will they be best buddies or will Keegan’s community close before it officially opens?
The Insiders Club is a realistic, "autism after high school" novel that brings marginalized characters into the spotlight. If you like unconventional heroes, unlikely friendships, and bittersweet coming-of-age stories, then you’ll love Echo Miller’s uplifting read.
Take a closer look inside the autism spectrum and see that everybody wants to belong. Buy The Insiders Club to find your way home today!
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2019
36 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read
About the author
Echo Miller
10 books25 followersEcho Miller writes fiction featuring unconventional personalities who explore societal norms, pursue self-acceptance, and discover the value of inclusion. Through character-driven stories, Echo broadcasts the universal truth that everyone wants to feel a sense of security in friendship. Self-described as quirky and contrarian, Echo enjoys inventing imaginary people, creating new traditions, and adding whimsy to ordinary experiences.
Echo Miller Books: character-driven stories that resonate.
Echo Miller Books: character-driven stories that resonate.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 2, 2020
**I received a physical copy of this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.**
I'll admit, I was a little worried going into this book. Books that deal with such sensitive topics can be either very good, or very not-so-good. Most of the time because of the representation of those topics. However, I was very happy to see an accurate and fair representation of the mental health issues and people with special needs, whether that is autism or down syndrome.
I will say that, for me, this book was pretty difficult to read. Not due to the content matter, but the way it is written. It is written from the perspective of two autistic boys, and therefore, it is written in the way they think. Which was done wonderfully. But even still, it was a bit difficult for me to read.
However, regardless of my personal difficulty, the book is beautiful. We meet this cast of characters who are not limited to their autism or disability. They are so far beyond and more than their diagnosis, and I loved that.
The writing style was very descriptive and because of that, we get a really good visual and understanding of the characters and their individual, unique personalities. I think that the author did a truly wonderful job of capturing the mind of these characters.
I loved the tribute to the classic film, The Breakfast Club. It was a fun addition to the story. I loved how passionate both Keegan and Copper were about each of their own things. The difficulties both boys have gone through and overcome was shown, and they grew from it. It was a very important read that shed light on the importance of relationships and friendships and accepting people for who they are despite being "different". We are all different in some way, and I think this book was so important to show that we should never sway away from diversity, but rather have pride in it.
Please do not take my personal difficulty with the reading of this book as this being a bad review, but the opposite. I completely understand why it was written the way it was, and I think it is a great book. Maybe not for me, but this is a beautiful book, and I think every person should read it.
Full review here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
I'll admit, I was a little worried going into this book. Books that deal with such sensitive topics can be either very good, or very not-so-good. Most of the time because of the representation of those topics. However, I was very happy to see an accurate and fair representation of the mental health issues and people with special needs, whether that is autism or down syndrome.
I will say that, for me, this book was pretty difficult to read. Not due to the content matter, but the way it is written. It is written from the perspective of two autistic boys, and therefore, it is written in the way they think. Which was done wonderfully. But even still, it was a bit difficult for me to read.
However, regardless of my personal difficulty, the book is beautiful. We meet this cast of characters who are not limited to their autism or disability. They are so far beyond and more than their diagnosis, and I loved that.
The writing style was very descriptive and because of that, we get a really good visual and understanding of the characters and their individual, unique personalities. I think that the author did a truly wonderful job of capturing the mind of these characters.
I loved the tribute to the classic film, The Breakfast Club. It was a fun addition to the story. I loved how passionate both Keegan and Copper were about each of their own things. The difficulties both boys have gone through and overcome was shown, and they grew from it. It was a very important read that shed light on the importance of relationships and friendships and accepting people for who they are despite being "different". We are all different in some way, and I think this book was so important to show that we should never sway away from diversity, but rather have pride in it.
Please do not take my personal difficulty with the reading of this book as this being a bad review, but the opposite. I completely understand why it was written the way it was, and I think it is a great book. Maybe not for me, but this is a beautiful book, and I think every person should read it.
Full review here: https://katelynpdickinson.wordpress.c...
July 1, 2020
This was a gamble as I have read several young adult and new adult novels with main characters on the Autism Spectrum. Some YA/NA novels have been authentic, researched, and respectful to the subject matter, while others not so much.
This was one of the ones that was authentic, researched, and respectful. Though this novel did give a paradigm on the denigration, ignorance, and misunderstanding that those on the Autism Spectrum can experience from individual persons and community, each of the four main characters also had a different major tragic event happen in their lives to themselves or loved ones that was not autism related. So cross-transference emotional trigger warning possible. I am not going to spoil what they were, but my jaw just dropped with every plot twist that was slowly revealed about each of the main characters! Wow! Just wow! If like how they were treated sometimes, because they were on the Autism Spectrum was not enough adversity! I am so glad that the author left me in suspense till nearly the very end of the book of giving the answer to the mystery that was first dropped at the beginning of the novel of finally yes how did Keegan's best friend Ainsley die and then later Ainsley's mother? The answer to this mystery tied up so many things and was perfect to be revealed near the end.
Language: No profanity. Some of the community members of the town outside of the Ainsley Village grounds do say some pretty denigrating ignorant hurtful words to the faces or behind the backs of the autistic and other disabled residents living in Ainsley. A man who is a member of a neo-nazi group traveling on a tram is particularly bad. I didn't read what I would call any profanity though in the novel. Keegan says, "Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5" instead of curse words. Some of the orientation group copy him after learning his substitute curse system.
Sensuality content: G rated clean. Not even a kiss. Mild mention of attraction to the opposite sex and how to communicate and act socially proper to a woman you are interested in.
Source: My own personal purchased library pre-ordered. At the time of this review I see it is also available in the Kindle Owner's Lending Library and Kindle Unlimited.
This was one of the ones that was authentic, researched, and respectful. Though this novel did give a paradigm on the denigration, ignorance, and misunderstanding that those on the Autism Spectrum can experience from individual persons and community, each of the four main characters also had a different major tragic event happen in their lives to themselves or loved ones that was not autism related. So cross-transference emotional trigger warning possible. I am not going to spoil what they were, but my jaw just dropped with every plot twist that was slowly revealed about each of the main characters! Wow! Just wow! If like how they were treated sometimes, because they were on the Autism Spectrum was not enough adversity! I am so glad that the author left me in suspense till nearly the very end of the book of giving the answer to the mystery that was first dropped at the beginning of the novel of finally yes how did Keegan's best friend Ainsley die and then later Ainsley's mother? The answer to this mystery tied up so many things and was perfect to be revealed near the end.
Language: No profanity. Some of the community members of the town outside of the Ainsley Village grounds do say some pretty denigrating ignorant hurtful words to the faces or behind the backs of the autistic and other disabled residents living in Ainsley. A man who is a member of a neo-nazi group traveling on a tram is particularly bad. I didn't read what I would call any profanity though in the novel. Keegan says, "Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, or Level 5" instead of curse words. Some of the orientation group copy him after learning his substitute curse system.
Sensuality content: G rated clean. Not even a kiss. Mild mention of attraction to the opposite sex and how to communicate and act socially proper to a woman you are interested in.
Source: My own personal purchased library pre-ordered. At the time of this review I see it is also available in the Kindle Owner's Lending Library and Kindle Unlimited.
February 1, 2021
It was a little slow to start, and the pacing was a little slow throughout, but I really enjoyed it once I got to know the characters a little. By the end, I couldn't put it down! I am not on the autism spectrum myself, but I feel like the author did a good job representing ASD and I was able to relate to the characters.
February 14, 2021
Beyond fantastic!
I really wish I could give this book more stars. Also, that I could convey in words how truly wonderful this book is. If you or someone you know is on the spectrum of has any diagnostic label, this book is a must. Not only a magnificent read, but also a learning tool. I cannot wait to read the next book.
I really wish I could give this book more stars. Also, that I could convey in words how truly wonderful this book is. If you or someone you know is on the spectrum of has any diagnostic label, this book is a must. Not only a magnificent read, but also a learning tool. I cannot wait to read the next book.
April 20, 2020
I was excited when i found this book thinking that it would be great a village for people with additional needs and making friends ect but if felt the story just kept going on and on without ever really getting anywhere
April 29, 2020
Innsiders
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the authors approach to explaining all different types of the spectrum. The main characters are funny and cute. This leaves you wanting to know more.
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciated the authors approach to explaining all different types of the spectrum. The main characters are funny and cute. This leaves you wanting to know more.
July 11, 2022
A sweet book written by a sweet friend! When is another being written?
January 4, 2026
I DNF'd this book because it was way too slow-paced to capture my attention. I loved the novel's premise and its potential, but it fell flat for me.
December 30, 2019
I admit, I was a little nervous getting into this book. Fiction that deals with the representation of sensitive topics such as themes dealing with mental health issues or differently abled characters can be hit-or-miss.
Some authors lack the research and can be ignorant to their portrayal of such themes, leading to ill-advised stereotypes and a black-and-white picture of the diversity of a group of people that deserve far better representation in art.
However, with the very first words of this novel, my worry started to dissipate. Echo Miller tastefully brings to life colorfully well-rounded characters on the spectrum, presenting readers with a perceptive insight of a world that they may not belong to but can start to better understand.
Miller's writing style equips wonderful imagery together with a descriptiveness that is a pleasure to read as the story continues to unravel. We are introduced to a cast of autistic characters, many of which are on the spectrum but are not defined by their autism but their individuality. Miller's shaping up of each and every one through their unique personalities and quirks had the effect of creating emotional connections to them that linger far beyond the end of the story.
Paying tribute to the '80's classic film The Breakfast Club, "The Insiders Club" is a heartfelt story, grounded in the exploration of complex and beautiful characters whose autism does not limit them, but rather allows them to go farther and feel things on a greater level than most are capable of.
Although the book is quick read and can be done in one sitting, I recommend taking the time to absorb each word and description and allow yourself to live the story slowly but meaningfully. It's an experience that will definitely stay with me and I look forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
A story of friendship, acceptance and truth in the eyes of people who are deemed to be "different", I recommend this novel for any and everyone. Miller shows us through the characters on these pages that often, being different is what makes us human and it's time to not only accept that diversity but embrace it.
Some authors lack the research and can be ignorant to their portrayal of such themes, leading to ill-advised stereotypes and a black-and-white picture of the diversity of a group of people that deserve far better representation in art.
However, with the very first words of this novel, my worry started to dissipate. Echo Miller tastefully brings to life colorfully well-rounded characters on the spectrum, presenting readers with a perceptive insight of a world that they may not belong to but can start to better understand.
Miller's writing style equips wonderful imagery together with a descriptiveness that is a pleasure to read as the story continues to unravel. We are introduced to a cast of autistic characters, many of which are on the spectrum but are not defined by their autism but their individuality. Miller's shaping up of each and every one through their unique personalities and quirks had the effect of creating emotional connections to them that linger far beyond the end of the story.
Paying tribute to the '80's classic film The Breakfast Club, "The Insiders Club" is a heartfelt story, grounded in the exploration of complex and beautiful characters whose autism does not limit them, but rather allows them to go farther and feel things on a greater level than most are capable of.
Although the book is quick read and can be done in one sitting, I recommend taking the time to absorb each word and description and allow yourself to live the story slowly but meaningfully. It's an experience that will definitely stay with me and I look forward to reading the next instalment in the series.
A story of friendship, acceptance and truth in the eyes of people who are deemed to be "different", I recommend this novel for any and everyone. Miller shows us through the characters on these pages that often, being different is what makes us human and it's time to not only accept that diversity but embrace it.
January 16, 2020
This book offers a fresh perspective—seen through the eyes of young men who have autism. Keegan, the lead protagonist, and his family have started a community where people with special needs can come to live and find happy, productive lives. Three young men join Keegan for an orientation, and Keegan hopes to befriend them for life. His search for a bond drives the plot.
He and his new friends experience a series of mishaps that will worry the reader and bring in incredible insights into what it’s like to understand the world through their eyes. Luckily, they have a support team that helps them maneuver the not-so-nice people they run into.
Character growth takes place, giving the protagonists depth, and emotions are stimulated throughout this tale. Keegan’s hopes and dreams are in constant danger, but he never gives up.
This book is a treat and offers readers something new. Why not give it a try? You’re likely to learn something while enjoying a good story with realistic characters.
He and his new friends experience a series of mishaps that will worry the reader and bring in incredible insights into what it’s like to understand the world through their eyes. Luckily, they have a support team that helps them maneuver the not-so-nice people they run into.
Character growth takes place, giving the protagonists depth, and emotions are stimulated throughout this tale. Keegan’s hopes and dreams are in constant danger, but he never gives up.
This book is a treat and offers readers something new. Why not give it a try? You’re likely to learn something while enjoying a good story with realistic characters.
October 16, 2019
I loved the Insiders Club. I think the book is initially aimed at young adults but I think that anyone can, and should, read it. I am not going to leave any spoilers but suffice to say that I really enjoyed getting to know Keegan and his friends. The book is a great read in its own right, it made me laugh out loud and it made me cry. It is a lovely story about friendship and kindness and just how we should treat one another. But at the same time, it helps the reader better understand about autism and inclusion. I am a parent of kids with special needs and I can honestly say this book helped me understand a bit better what life might be like from their perspective. Read it!
November 18, 2019
Excellent book!!!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews